This itinerary skips the savannah parks entirely to focus on Uganda’s two headline primates — mountain gorillas in Bwindi and chimpanzees in Kibale — with enough time built in for either standard trekking or the longer Habituation Experience at either park.
Detailed Itinerary
Entebbe to Bwindi
Transfer to your Bwindi sector lodge, with an evening trekking briefing.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Standard gorilla trek: briefing, family assignment, the trek itself, and one hour with the family.
As above
Optional Gorilla Habituation Experience
For travellers wanting more than the standard hour: up to four hours with a family still being habituated, run from Rushaga sector. Alternatively, a rest day or nature walk.
As above
Transfer to Kibale Forest
Drive north to Kibale via Queen Elizabeth’s fringes, arriving with time to settle in.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale
Morning chimp tracking permit, following a habituated community through Kibale’s dense forest.
As above
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
The extended format — up to four hours with a community still being habituated, meeting them at their nest site at dawn. Alternatively, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
As above
Free Day or Bigodi Wetland Walk
A relaxed final full day — Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for birding, or simply rest at the lodge.
Return to Entebbe
Road transfer back to Entebbe, timed against your onward flight.
Permits & Costs
| Gorilla trekking permit | $800 per person |
| Gorilla Habituation Experience (optional) | ~$1,500 per person |
| Chimpanzee tracking permit | ~$250 per person |
| Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (optional) | ~$220 per person |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Primate-focused travellers who want maximum time with gorillas and chimpanzees specifically, including the option of both extended Habituation Experiences within one trip.
Tour Includes
- Travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Standard gorilla & chimpanzee permits
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
Tour Excludes
- Habituation Experience permits (optional add-on)
- International flights
- Visas
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance
The Two Habituation Experiences Compared
Both optional add-ons follow the same underlying logic — extended access to a family or community still adjusting to human presence, run alongside genuine ongoing research — but differ meaningfully in practice. The gorilla version runs to roughly $1,500 per person with a cap of just four visitors daily; the chimpanzee version costs closer to $220 with a similarly small but slightly larger group. Many travellers on this itinerary choose one rather than both, given the combined cost of doing everything.
Pacing Across Eight Days
We deliberately space the two standard treks and the two optional Habituation Experiences across separate days rather than stacking demanding activities back to back, given how physically involved each one is in its own right.
Can I do just one Habituation Experience, not both?
Yes — most travellers choose one, typically whichever species interests them more, rather than adding both extended experiences to the same trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to book both Habituation Experiences?
No — they’re optional add-ons priced separately. Many travellers do one or the other rather than both.
Why does this itinerary skip the savannah parks?
It’s built specifically for travellers whose priority is primates, not general wildlife — see our 10-Day Grand Safari if you want the Big Five included too.
Ready to Plan This Trip?
Tell us your dates and whether you want either Habituation Experience included, and we’ll confirm permits within one business day. Get in touch to start planning.